US President Donald Trump did not support the capture of Kharg Island, fearing that the attack would cause too many casualties, the Wall Street Journal (WSJ) reported, citing sources.
The publication notes that military commanders convinced Trump that the landing would be successful and that capturing the area would provide the United States with access to the Strait of Hormuz. However, the US president rejected such a step, believing that American units could become an "easy target" for Iran.
"According to sources familiar with the situation, Trump is afraid to send troops to dangerous areas where some soldiers will be injured and some may not return home," the newspaper writes.
On April 7, the United States struck Iran's Kharg Island. According to Axios journalist Barak Ravil, the target was the military facilities on the island.
In March, the Israeli newspaper The Jerusalem Post reported that the US had accelerated the deployment of Marines and Navy forces to the Middle East as Washington came close to seizing Iran's Kharg Island. Axios also reported that Trump is considering seizing Kharg Island to secure shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.
